EU official says member states unanimous on ‘need for a Palestinian state’
Sven Koopmans, the EU’s special representative for the Middle East peace process, has said that while member states of the European Union “may have different positions on recognition” of Palestinian statehood, “we have unanimity on the need for a Palestinian state”.
The EU representative’s comments to the Reuters news agency followed after EU members Spain and Ireland – along with Norway – said they would recognise an independent Palestinian state.
Koopmans also said representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will join a regular meeting of EU foreign ministers next week to try and forge a common path on ending the war in Gaza.
“Nobody alone is sufficient. But if we work together, and we are working on doing something concretely together, maybe we’re just about sufficient, at least to get things started,” he said.
‘I hope that all countries in the world recognise Palestine’
Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank say they feel encouraged by the wave of support from European countries to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
Anger seethes in Israel over Ireland, Spain, Norway’s recognition of Palestinian state
Israel is furious at this latest development. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that it is giving in to terrorism, a reward, and that it will not bring any peace to Israel.
He also said that “this evil”, in reference to Hamas, must not be given a country as it will try to repeat the October 7 massacre.
Norway said that it took this step because of the current government and the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, refusing to speak to anyone on the Palestinian side. Also, under his nose, allowing for the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Earlier, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant reversed a 2005 disengagement law, which meant that Israel had to prevent Israeli settlers from returning back to some of those settlements in the occupied West Bank.
He allowed that today, meaning they could return. But, within hours, the Israeli central command chief [Yehuda Fox] cancelled that order and said that settlers wouldn’t be able to return.
All of this is happening as the occupation of the West Bank continues. As the war continues in Gaza. And as the families of those that have been abducted and taken captive in Gaza continue their protest against the Israeli government.
Israelis demand Netanyahu strike ‘deal now’ to get captives back
